Inside The New York Botanical Garden
weekend
Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on June 21 2013, by Matt Newman
Flip-flops, brunch cocktails, five kinds of SPF, a haphazard parade of lost and found sunglasses—the summer solstice is here, and with it all the quirks of the season in the city! But we’re waaaay ahead of the curve when it comes to putting up the perfect summer backdrop (it’s kind of our “thing”). The NYBG is 250 acres of emerald green splashed and speckled with millions of technicolor blooms right now, and when the sun gets going, it doesn’t hurt to have a tree-shaded bench to veg’ out on, either. We’ve got you covered there, too.
Of course we’re more than just a landscape to wander, even if that’s your goal. Wild Medicine slips into this summer with a dynamic collection of unique and exotic plants, one that’s changing every day. The books and botany of The Italian Renaissance Garden, The Renaissance Herbal, and the other facets of this exhibition represent centuries of therapeutic know-how. Then again, a little botanical flavor couldn’t hurt when taking it all in, right? We’re already on the ball with teas, juices, and cocoa available for sampling at the show. But we’re doing it one better by bringing back Cocktail Evenings & Summer Concerts, starting Thursday, June 27!
If gin, Crème Yvette violet liqueur, cucumber, lime, and mint sound like the makings of the perfect night out, get your tickets for our first Evening as soon as you can—they’re flying out the door at a steady clip.
This Saturday and Sunday are also prime time for picking up new skills at the Garden, with cooking demonstrations in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden and hands-on gardening demonstrations in the Home Gardening Center, so don’t waste any time getting your hands dirty. Or, you know, you could just reflect under the tulip trees and soak up the greenery. We’re partial to your speed, whatever it is.
Check out the full schedule below, and we’ll see you there!
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Posted in Around the Garden on June 14 2013, by Matt Newman
Slowly, very slowly, set down the paisley necktie and back away from the home improvement store gift cards. Good, that’s a start! Now, think about what dad could really use, like maybe—just maybe—some outdoor relaxation. As we head into this Father’s Day weekend, it’s time to set aside the stress of thinking about last-minute boxed gifts and breakfast in bed. Instead, focus on bringing some no-strings-attached fun into his life.
We’re expecting easy temperatures and a bit more sun going into Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of activities and outdoor exploration on deck for dads and not-dads alike. Wild Medicine is only picking up steam as the weeks roll by, with exciting, dynamic plant collections on display in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for The Italian Renaissance Garen facet of our exhibition. And under the vaulted dome of the Library Building, you’ll find a slew of renowned botanical texts for The Renaissance Herbal—some of them centuries old—on display courtesy of our expert (and generally awesome) library staff. It’s maybe the most unique dive into literary history you’ll find in the city right now.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on June 7 2013, by Matt Newman
Certainly the biggest news going into this weekend comes about on Monday, when we once again buddy up with Mario Batali for the Edible Academy Family Garden Picnic. For the past few summers, our work with this renowned chef and Friend of the Garden has produced some of the most fun and delicious adventures found in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, and this year’s event is no different! In fact, we’re even raising the bar. Join us on Monday, June 10 for an exclusive picnic dinner as conceived by Mario himself, followed by a book signing with the chef and his always lively cooking demonstration. And there are plenty of family activities to keep even the most tireless toddler occupied in the meantime.
All proceeds from this event will go to the Edible Academy, an NYBG initiative to create a year-round center for gardening education that focuses not only on the practice of being a green thumb, but the important connections between plants, gardening, nutrition, and health. And it’s not just for kids—the Edible Academy will educate families, adults, and teachers as well. Tickets to the picnic are dwindling, so register while you can!
Over the past few days I’ve also been in touch with our Senior Advisor for the Rose Garden, Peter Kukielski, trading numbers at a rapid-fire pace. “90%, 95%, 99%!” The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden went from a subtle collection of buds to a vibrant spread of blooms in the course of a week thanks to the warmer weather, and that sudden explosion of color needed tracking on our Rose Watch page. I could barely keep up! But just yesterday, as I was about to leave for the day, Peter floated me one last message: “Make it 100%! I’m recording peak bloom for 2013 as of today!”
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Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on April 12 2013, by Matt Newman
The magnolia flowers peppering the trees outside the Library Building tell the story a bit better than this wintry rain: spring has arrived, and it’s not going anywhere! Rhododendrons perk in the Azalea Garden, the Home Gardening Center looks a little more like its old self, and keen eyes can spot the nascent greens of young leaves on the tree branches. A more telling signal for the seasonal transition is the sound of the Fountain of Life’s familiar burble.
We’re going into this weekend carrying sunny thoughts piled with excitement, not least because we’re once again on board for two more Orchid Evenings. And while this Saturday’s gathering (as well as that of April 20!) is completely sold out, there are still tickets available for an impromptu cocktail during tonight’s added event! (That would be Friday, April 12.) So have a look at our ticket page and reserve yours while there’s still room, as they’re going fast.
For daytime visitors, of course, the spring scenery is an event in its own right. Just the other day I was out enjoying the thrill of the hunt, so to speak–walking the paths in search of season’s first flowers. The daffodils, I might add, are blowing up throughout our 250 acres. But it’s even more fun sussing out the less populous arrivals, like the first tulips cropping up in the Perennial Garden. For those who’d rather have a primer of what’s happening where, our What’s Beautiful Now post puts up a pretty thorough rundown.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on April 5 2013, by Matt Newman
It’s a double whammy for the cocktail crowd this weekend as we launch into our Orchid Show excitement with back-to-back Orchid Evenings, running both tonight (April 5) and Saturday, April 6. That’s twice as many opportunities to see thousands upon thousands of mystifying blooms under the glass of a Conservatory dressed to the nines with ambiance. And if the flowers, mood lighting, and chill grooves don’t set the tone for the perfect night out, I have no doubt the cocktails will drive it all home.
While the April 6 Orchid Evening is completely sold out for incoming visitors, those with tickets in hand will be happy to know that Jack from Brooklyn is kitting us out with one of the most deliciously unique cocktails in the five boroughs, using their very own Sorel–a hibiscus liqueur–to stage the many flavors. But if you don’t yet have a ticket, there’s no call for tears–our first of several new additions to the Orchid Evening schedule launches tonight. Our bartender will be slinging “Vanilla Gales” for the first-of-the-weekend crowd, an orchid-inspired take on the Dark & Stormy that kicks this sparkling rum drink up into the stratosphere.
Tickets are still available for tonight–April 5–if you’d like to join us for cocktails. But register quickly, as they’re moving just as fast! Check out our ticket page for available dates, both tonight and in the future.
For the daylight crowd, there’s just as much to see or do. The Orchid Show is in full swing throughout Saturday and Sunday, while the first of spring’s growth is coming out of hibernation across our 250 acres! Keep your eye out for the snowdrops, crocuses, hellebores and daffodils first on the scene to this sleepy change of season. And if you’re anywhere near the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden while you’re exploring, our staff will be diving headlong into the sowing of spring–they might even need a little help from passersby.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on March 29 2013, by Matt Newman
It was a little touch and go on the seasonal front over the last couple of weeks, but, with some nudging, spring seems to have settled on sticking with us! And though the hints of its arrival are subtle–crocuses, snowdrops, a few plum blossoms coloring the trees–temperatures in the mid-fifties don’t exactly scream “winter!” anymore, do they?
Because some of you are heading into a three-day Easter weekend, we figure it makes sense to skip the usual Monday downtime and open our doors to everyone. So if you happen to be in the city on April 1, pay us a visit! We’ll be running all of our usual Orchid Show events and activities throughout the day, and with the NYBG only twenty minutes away from Grand Central by the Metro North, there’s no excuse to veg’ out on the couch.
For the night owls among you, it’s also worth mentioning that our latest Orchid Evening kicks off this Saturday–and tickets are still available! But if you plan on joining us for an evening of cocktails and ambiance, I suggest registering quickly, as these spots rarely last long. Recent events have seen hundreds of nighttime visitors pass through our Conservatory doors, with more than a few romantic surprises between them. Check out our most recent video under the glasshouse roof!
Last but not least, I’ve got another piece of exciting news up my sleeve: the Rock Garden reopens this Saturday! It’s no easy thing to go through the whole of winter without access to this most zen of landscapes, but the reopening of the Rock Garden each March is made that much better with the return of warmer weather. When you stop by the ticket booth, see about getting an All-Garden Pass for an opportunity to see what is–without fail–my favorite space in our 250 acres.
Even if you’re not looking at a long weekend, the start of spring (finally) is cause for some fanfare–and where better to ring in the warmth? See the full schedule of events below.
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Posted in Programs and Events on March 22 2013, by Matt Newman
Cocktails, crocuses, and more cymbidiums than you can count? That’s a resounding “yes!” you’re hearing as we move into our first weekend of spring, kicking off in flirtatious fashion with the second in our ongoing series of Orchid Evenings. In fact, the first was such a runaway success that we’ve even added a few more nights to our upcoming rotation, just in time for this weekend’s event to sell out! We’ll let you know if more tickets are added for the 23, but for now, we’re just all kinds of giddy over the weekend to come.
As with each Orchid Evening, Saturday night’s evening under the lights will be highlighted by a local spirit–in this case, a fine whiskey from our friends at Tirado Distillery. And the cranberry-splashed mojitos aren’t the only mood enhancer on the menu; DJ Julio is also on the ticket, bringing smooth beats to the table for unmatched ambiance. Afterward, it’s over to the classic Italian fare of Arthur Avenue, where we’ve partnered with several restaurants to get you discounts on dinner. As far as planning your evening outing goes, I feel like this one’s sort of a no-brainer.
We’re looking at mostly clear skies and afternoons packed with ostentatious orchids, otherwise, so make a little space on your weekend calendar for the Orchid Show! Spring is definitely here, and while the air may be a bit brisk for flip-flops and tank tops, the Garden’s outdoor blooms don’t lie. Check out our Orchid Evenings page for registration information for future events, and head below for the full Saturday and Sunday schedules.
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Posted in Around the Garden, Programs and Events on March 15 2013, by Matt Newman
What’s the best way to layer green on green, with a sprinkle of green to top it off? For most of you, the answer’s a short trip north! Pay a visit to The New York Botanical Garden this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, stop off to see the lush tropical displays of The Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and revel in a bit of early spring growth. That’s more living color than you’ve probably seen all winter. And it’s as full a holiday weekend as you’re likely to find before you’re pints deep in Sunday night’s grass-colored beer.
From the Perennial Garden to the Grand Allée lawns, signs of spring’s arrival sneak into view, bucking this end-of-the-week cold spell with bright crocus blossoms and a smattering of technicolor irises. Look for those along the Seasonal Walk if you’re so inclined. Meanwhile, the Orchid Show is well into its element with a thousands-strong collection of exotic blooms draping the Conservatory walkways. Actually, Tumblr‘s official Storyboard crew filmed a recent feature on the show–more importantly, the enthusiastic people and behind-the-scenes efforts that make it possible. I’m biased, sure, but it’s so worth three minutes of your time.
So before you set out to test your constitution with more stout, whiskey, and corned beef than you’ll otherwise eat all year, set aside an afternoon for reflection in the city’s finest natural escape.
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Posted in Programs and Events on March 8 2013, by Matt Newman
A fashionably late nor’easter? In New York City, I suppose that’s not all that surprising. Calling today’s landscape a “winter wonderland” would fall on the steep side of an understatement, but–safe in the knowledge that Saturday will be sunny with a high of 50°–we’re treating today’s snowfall as a precursor to supreme seasonal beauty. Apropos for a winter send-off, don’t you think? And with dreamy cocktails and music promised for tomorrow night’s opening Orchid Evening event, I’m betting you won’t see a recipe for elegance quite like this anytime soon.
From 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday night the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory becomes a glass ballroom of seductive scents and flouncy flowers, with just enough lounge sensibility to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation (or the perfect date, depending on your intentions). The high-end mixed drinks won’t hurt the ambiance, either. This weekend’s spirit in the spotlight is St. Germain liqueur, an elderflower aperitif complimented with sparkling wine, sparkling water, and a lemon twist over ice. The drink at the door should set the tone for your intimate tour of The Orchid Show in all its florid finery, while a cash bar keeps things moving for any night owls looking to make the evening last. And if I haven’t mentioned it before, DJ Julio is on deck to punctuate the after-hours affair with electronic and world music grooves.
Tickets are dwindling for the March 9 evening openings, so be sure and register soon. Otherwise, we’re promising several more weekend opportunities in the future for you to take part in an Orchid Evening.
The Orchid Show is only getting better as it slides into its eleventh year; it will remain open throughout the weekend as we watch today’s snow melt away. But if you’d rather be out and about, enjoying winter as it is, our 250 acres are always welcoming of visitors. Head below for the full schedule, and we’ll see you there.
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Posted in Programs and Events on March 1 2013, by Matt Newman
At long, long last, the wait ends this weekend! Just in time for the first arriving sights and sounds of spring (the crocuses are looking especially lovely), the crowned star of the season opens this weekend in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Thousands upon thousands of orchids–cymbidiums, vandas, moth orchids and more–have been carefully arranged under our famous glasshouse roof, inviting the entire city to experience the return of warmth and color with what is undeniably the most flamboyant combination of the two: The Orchid Show.
Alongside the paradise of blooms our horticulturists have curated in the Conservatory, we’re offering tours, music, free advice for the casual home grower, or more in-depth workshops and lectures for those looking to take their orchid madness to the next level. This Sunday’s lecture in particular highlights the expertise of David Taft, Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Greater New York Orchid Society, whose knowledge of native orchids will make a believer of those who thought these florid beauties kept only to the tropics. Afterward, you can stop into our Shop in the Garden to peruse a collection of rare, delicate, or even easy-to-grow orchids for purchase.
With plenty of time until The Orchid Show comes to a close on April 22, we’ll be offering all sorts of future events and activities to keep your orchid cravings piqued, so stay tuned to Plant Talk in the coming weeks for more on our Orchid Evenings and other entertainments. And for now, think about picking up tickets for this opening weekend–the fanfare is through the roof, and for us, the start of this exhibition is something of a Garden holiday!
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Flip-flops, brunch cocktails, five kinds of SPF, a haphazard parade of lost and found sunglasses—the summer solstice is here, and with it all the quirks of the season in the city! But we’re waaaay ahead of the curve when it comes to putting up the perfect summer backdrop (it’s kind of our “thing”). The NYBG is 250 acres of emerald green splashed and speckled with millions of technicolor blooms right now, and when the sun gets going, it doesn’t hurt to have a tree-shaded bench to veg’ out on, either. We’ve got you covered there, too.
